“Songs of Heartstrings: Poems of Gratitude and Beatitude,” is a journey into the mind of a woman who has found her voice in this world through her poe“Songs of Heartstrings: Poems of Gratitude and Beatitude,” is a journey into the mind of a woman who has found her voice in this world through her poetry.

Hurdle splits the book into poetic songs categorized by Nature, Dissonance, Physical Healing, Marriage, Parenthood, Tribute, Reflection, Challenge, and Inspiration. These categories lead the reader on a path to understanding her life through times of joy and sorrow. Her photos and artwork are stunning and compliment her poetry.

For me, reading poetry is like walking beside the poet and stepping into their footsteps, connecting with their experiences in a deeper realm of being. Reading poetry is subjective, so I judge most poetry by how it invokes emotions within me and how it makes me reflect on my own human condition.

The poem, “Healing,” touched a deep chord within me. Yet, there were so many more connections I experienced.

I received this book as a gift from a dear friend. That’s the kind of book this is, one to be shared with others, and to be reread many times.

I purchased this book months ago, and for whatever reason, let it languish in the dusty corners of my Kindle. What a mistake! My eyes have been openedI purchased this book months ago, and for whatever reason, let it languish in the dusty corners of my Kindle. What a mistake! My eyes have been opened...

D. G. Kaye bares her soul by sharing some of the experiences she endured as a child and onward into her adult years, at the hands of a narcissistic mother. It's all there, in excruciating detail, the shaming and the harmful words used to inflict pain resulting in the author's low self-esteem.

She says:

"Many factors contribute to the complexities we experience throughout our lives, all of which aid in shaping our self-perception. We tend to carry baggage from our wounded egos—from the slights, injustices, and teasing of our pasts—which, when harbored internally, can fester into a damaged soul."

Needless to say, I can relate to her experiences from my own upbringing. I immediately felt an empathetic connection to the author as a person, and that is where this author excels in her writing. By sharing her experiences, she appears to have found the formula for how to deal with her own issues head on!

Words We Carry is jam-packed full of sound "girlfriend" advice for those of us who are ready to change our perceptions. In fact, D. G. Kaye suggests that we learn to "become uplifted and inspired by positive people instead of clinging to negative people who will suck us dry of energy and, in the process, take us down with them."

Real change is brought about when we learn to deal with ridicule and rejection. The author stresses an attitude of "self-love," something we all need a healthy dose of at least once a day.

I didn't feel like this was a "self-help" book, instead, I found this book to be more inspirational in nature. It gave me hope that I can learn to let go of the hurt from my own past.

This is the third book I've read by D. G. Kaye. The author touches a chord in me every time. <3...more

I received this book as a gift and enjoyed it so much I had to share it. The author begins with an introduction comparing the book to the mystery of tI received this book as a gift and enjoyed it so much I had to share it. The author begins with an introduction comparing the book to the mystery of the standing stones of Stonehenge whose secrets have never been revealed.

Yet, I found the exact opposite. This author reveals some of her deepest feelings and thoughts, written in songs, verse, stories, and visualizations. The following stanza touched me - obviously, it was something I needed to hear.

"The quill and the ink, The rose and the thorn, teaches us patience and reticence."

The second section of the book is dedicated to the reader who is also a writer. The author, who is also an editor, shares editing tips, proofreading advice, and examples of how a piece should be written.

The prose contained in this small book is cleverly written for the writer who will understand the courage it takes to write a book and bring it to fruition.

An excerpt from her novel, Annie's Story: Blessed With a Gift, is also included with a Foreward section dedicated to her paranormal experience with age regression to help her cope with extreme claustrophobia. Annie's Story is the result of that experience. I've read that book and you can read the review here.

Quill & Ink is the perfect gift for the writer in your life. I loved the opportunity of getting to know more about this author. I think you will, too. <3

Do you feel like you need someone to accompany you on this journey in life? If so, you have found it with Annette Rochelle Aben, a.k.a. Sister Angel.Do you feel like you need someone to accompany you on this journey in life? If so, you have found it with Annette Rochelle Aben, a.k.a. Sister Angel. Annette has spent her life in the company of Angels. She can recognize their presence and has written about how the Angels have been a blessing in her life.

She shares this collection of prayers and Angel musings with the hope that it will give comfort and support anytime one feels down and needs a boost. This is the kind of book you will read over and over, and I have. The photos are her own, and the addition of her poetic words is soothing to the soul.

In fact, the author suggests the following, "This book is a terrific way to share some Angel love with someone who needs a lift, a hug, a smile or that person who loves Angels. It is filled with pictures, prayers, and poems that bring the Angel Messages to you." What a lovely thought, for any time of the year.

This tiny book filled with so much inspiration has found its way into my "Me-Time," collection. Annette's message touched my heart and gave me faith that I am never alone. <3